When you think about pets and air quality, you probably think of hair and dander in the air aggravating your allergies. However, you’re not the only one in your home who needs clean air. Your furry friends breathe too. Here’s how to improve your living situation when it comes to pets and air quality.
Worse for Pets and Air Quality
Most of the air pollutants that are harmful to you are also harmful to your pets. What’s more, since they’re smaller than you are, those contaminants are far worse for them. For instance, if there’s smoke in the house, it may be a little irritating for you, but that same amount can seriously affect your pet’s breathing, even leading to suffocation and death.
The same is true of the harsh chemicals used in cleaning products, as well as volatile organic compounds. Even if you barely notice their presence, they can be devastating to your pet’s respiratory health.
Improving IAQ
There are a few things you can do to improve your home’s IAQ for both you and your pets. The first step is to keep the house clean — without using harsh chemicals to do it. Dust with a microfiber cloth that can pick up and eliminate contaminants. Vacuum regularly too. Your pet won’t like the noise, but they’ll breathe a lot easier.
Next, make sure your home is well ventilated. You need a steady supply of clean, fresh air to displace the harmful pollutants, particularly if there are smokers in your home — or even smoke from cooking. Good ventilation is necessary to remove those contaminants.
Finally, consider investing in a whole-house air cleaner with a HEPA filter. It filters the air much more effectively than your regular HVAC system, eliminating more than 98% of particles, from dust to mold to smoke and more. It also lasts longer. With pets, your air filter will likely clog more quickly due to pet hair. A HEPA filter will keep your air clean and breathable for up to a year.
For more help with pets and air quality, contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services. We keep your Dayton home, including your furry friends, comfortable and healthy.
